Bad Veins, the indie pop group of Ben Davis, has just hit my radar thanks to his first release after an eight year hiatus. Featuring an array of unconventional instruments and plenty of pop subversion, it’s called Imposter.
By Graeme Smith
Ben’s bold claim is that Imposter is the best record he’s ever made. It’s made all the more bold considering the success of the past, with placements on TV shows like Queer Eye and Santa Clarity Diet, awards, and tours with alternative legends like Two Door Cinema Club and Clap Your Hands Say Yeah. There is certainly something mercurial about his latest though.
It opens with Helicopter. A snapshot of whirring blades quickly gives way to Bad Veins’ brand of electronic indie pop. It marries a lively yet melancholic groove with something a little more experimental. It’s just about the perfect balance of accessible and challenging, and certainly drew me in. I wanted to hear more.
Arrows keeps things lively thanks to its bouncy, percussive arrangement, and doesn’t sacrifice any of the high emotion introduced by Helicopter. Long Long Night has a touch of the anthemic about it, making good use of loud-quiet, contrasting reflective verses with explosive choruses.
Wendy gives us a different side to the Bad Veins sound, slowing things down and giving us some sultry broodiness. Its catchy melody, unexpected instrumentation, including a mellotron flute solo, and the exquisite subversion of its intentional record skip makes it a highlight.
Stupid Heart changes things up yet again thanks to a groovy moment with undercurrents of art rock. Under the Cover gives us some punchy percussion and twinkling keys before Crazy sees things go a little more old school with a song of heartbreak reminiscent of the Willie Nelson-penned, Patsy Cline-sung classic of the same name. It’s another highlight.
Lonely Soldier plugs into the Bad Veins military-inspired brand (Ben’s been known to take to the stage in his father’s army jacket). A thoughtful, exotic composition is deeply engrossing. We’ll Get It Right softens things a little and Ben’s vocals take on an especially pleading quality. Instant then closes the album with a soaring farewell that leaves it all out there.
Imposter was recorded in Ben’s attic-based studio on his reel to reel recorder called Irene. You can give the album a listen below.
